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14CO2-in-air sampling with passive diffusion samplers
M J Wood1, R A Surette, J K Mohindra
1AECL, Chalk River Laboratories, Ontario.
Health Physics
|February 5, 1998
Summary
Passive diffusion samplers can measure both tritium (HTO) and carbon-14 (14CO2) in the air simultaneously. These samplers, originally for HTO, are effective for 14CO2 monitoring with a slightly lower sampling rate.
Area of Science:
- Environmental monitoring
- Radiological protection
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Tritium (HTO) and carbon-14 (14CO2) are common airborne radioactive contaminants.
- Passive diffusion samplers are utilized for monitoring HTO in air at CANDU facilities.
- Evaluating the capability of existing samplers for other radionuclides is crucial for comprehensive monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the suitability of passive diffusion samplers for measuring 14CO2 in air.
- To determine the sampling rate of 14CO2 relative to HTO.
- To confirm the simultaneous measurement capability for both HTO and 14CO2.
Main Methods:
- Controlled environmental exposures were conducted using HTO-in-air and 14CO2-in-air.
- Passive diffusion samplers were exposed to single and mixed gas atmospheres.
- Sampling rates were determined and compared based on diffusion coefficients.
Main Results:
- The sampling rate for 14CO2-in-air was approximately 0.7 times that of HTO-in-air.
- This observed ratio aligns with theoretical calculations based on gas diffusion coefficients.
- Samplers demonstrated effectiveness for simultaneous HTO and 14CO2 measurement.
Conclusions:
- Passive diffusion samplers are suitable for measuring both HTO and 14CO2 in air.
- Existing HTO samplers can be adapted for dual-radionuclide monitoring with appropriate solutions.
- This enhances the capability for comprehensive airborne radioactivity assessment at nuclear facilities.